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Frontline workers at seniors shelter join OPSEU

“These members care deeply about helping support seniors who are facing homelessness, and now they’ve got one of the province’s biggest and most powerful unions to help them do their valuable work." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

Toronto (02 May 2019) — Like more than 300 of their co-workers at Salvation Army facilities in Toronto, the frontline workers at the Salvation Army Islington Seniors Centre have voted unanimously to join the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

“Smart move,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President. “These members care deeply about helping support seniors who are facing homelessness, and now they’ve got one of the province’s biggest and most powerful unions to help them do their valuable work."

“With his cuts to minimum wage, legal aid, and social services, Doug Ford has declared war on the poor,” said Thomas. “But joining a union built on democracy and solidarity, these workers are ready to fight for the most vulnerable. It’s a battle that together, we’ll win.”

Opened late last year, the Salvation Army’s Islington Seniors Centre currently has 45 beds with plans to expand later this year to 90 beds.

Full strength of OPSEU/NUPGE

“Homelessness and poverty are increasingly urgent issues in Toronto and across Ontario,” said Kareen Marshall, Chair of OPSEU’s Community Agencies Division. “On behalf of our entire division, I’d like to welcome these new members, and congratulate them for taking a strong stand for the services they provide.”

“The Finance Minister’s budget makes it clear that this is a government that cares more about profits than people,” said Almeida. “But by joining OPSEU/NUPGE, these workers can count on our full strength and solidarity as they work to ensure that no people are allowed to fall through the cracks.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 390,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. — NUPGE